The NASA / ESA Hubble space telescope produced an exceptional image of the Galaxy NGC 3285B in a barred spiral.
This Hubble image shows NGC 3285B, a spiral galaxy barred at around 137 million light years in the Hydra constellation. The color image was made from distinct exhibitions taken in the ultraviolet and infrared spectrum regions with Hubble 3 (WFC3). It is based on the data obtained via seven filters. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / RJ Foley, UC Santa Cruz.
NGC 3285B is located at around 137 million light years in the Hydra constellation.
Also known as LEDA 31293, ESO 501-18 or IRAS 10322-2723, the galaxy has a diameter of 100,000 light years.
NGC 3285B has a disc and several swirling arms. The nucleus of the galaxy is large and shines in bright gold, while the spiral arms are a paler and light reddish color.
He is a member of the Galaxy NGC 3312 group (LGG 210) and the Hydra I Galaxy cluster.
“NGC 3285B is a member of the Hydra I cluster, one of the greatest clusters of galaxies in the neighboring universe,” said Hubble astronomers in a press release.
“Galaxy clusters are hundreds of hundreds to thousands of galaxies that are linked to each other.”
“The Hydra I cluster is anchored by two giant elliptical galaxies in its center.”
“Each of these galaxies has around 150,000 light years in diameter, which makes them about 50% larger than our domestic galaxy, the Milky Way.”
NGC 3285B is at the periphery of the Hydra I cluster, far from the massive galaxies in the center.
“This galaxy drew Hubble’s attention because it welcomed an IA type supernova in 2023,” said astronomers.
“IA supernovae occurs when a type of condensed stellar nucleus called a white dwarf explodes, triggering a sudden explosion of nuclear fusion which briefly 5 billion times brighter than the sun.”
“The supernova, called SN 2023xqm, is visible here as a blue point on the left edge of the Galaxy disc.”
“Hubble observed NGC 3285B as part of an observation program that targeted 100 IA type supernovae.”
“By looking at each of these supernovae in an ultraviolet, optical and close infrared light, we aim to disentangle the effects of distance and dust, which can both make a supernova more red than it is.”
“This program will help refine the cosmic distance measures based on the observations of IA type supernovae.”
